Liberal pastor and civil rights leader Joseph Lowery’s strange benediction prayer hoping that one day "white will embrace what is right" wasn’t ignored on the Tuesday night news, but it wasn’t portrayed as at all controversial. CBS skipped over it. But ABC, NBC, and PBS’s NewsHour all featured it, often without interrupting their gauzy promotional tone. Here’s a brief tour of how it unfolded.
ABC: In the first half-hour of a 60-minute World News, Charles Gibson recalled a legend praying:
GIBSON: The Reverend Joseph E Lowery, the legendary civil rights leader, delivered the benediction.
Rev. JOSEPH LOWERY: We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man and white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
GIBSON: As hundreds of thousands on the Mall savored what they had just seen.
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The scene was replayed in Gibson’s second half-hour, alongside the invocation by Rick Warren:
PASTOR RICK WARREN: Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans. United not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all.
REVEREND JOSEPH LOWERY: And in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day where black will not be asked to get back. When brown can stick around. When yellow will be mellow. When the red man can get ahead, man. And when white will embrace what is right. Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
CROWD: Amen.
LOWERY: Say amen.
CROWD: Amen.
LOWERY: And amen.
CROWD: Amen.
On Nightline, Terry Moran was typically flushed with glee at Obama speaking, but he left out the whack-the-whites part:
MORAN: And then, he looked ahead and looked inside the national character where he's drawn so much inspiration and the words soared, the vision brightened....A new era of responsibility built on the old truths.
LOWERY: God...
MORAN: And in the benediction given by the nearly 90-year-old Reverend Dr Joseph Lowery, a hero of the civil rights movement, who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. In his blessing, the old truths sang.
LOWERY: That all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
LOWERY: Say amen.
CROWD: Amen.
LOWERY: And amen.
CROWD: Amen.
MORAN: One and a half million people said amen. And afterwards, we heard a deep joy.
NBC: As Brent Baker reported earlier, NBC Nightly News passed over Lowery’s prayer to delight in Andrea Mitchell’s picture of a cell-phone field of stars:
MITCHELL: His very name opening doors, as did his speech to the rest of the world, the ceremony acknowledging a debt to the sacrifices that made this day possible. The final blessing from a civil rights icon, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, changing the tones of official Washington.
Rev. JOSEPH LOWERY: We ask you to help us work for that day when blacks will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.
MITCHELL: And the mass flickering of cell phone cameras on the Mall seemed like stars shining back at him.
Lowery also appeared briefly in a Savannah Guthrie story on the Obama daughters:
GUTHRIE: And as for the speech, two reviews were instant and very positive.
Rev. JOSEPH LOWERY: Look over our little angelic Sasha and Malia.
GUTHRIE: Not since the Kennedys has America had such young children in the White House.
On Tuesday night’s Dateline, there was more Lowery celebration, but no controversial prayer quotes:
Rev. JOSEPH LOWERY: I never dreamed I would see the day a black president would be elected. (Voiceover) Let alone that I would participate in the ceremony.
Rev. LOWERY: (Inauguration) Yes, we can work together. I'm so proud of my country. (Lowery and Barack Obama hugging)
LOWERY: I'm so proud of America that...(Voiceover) ...we have heard the call of that 34-year-old preacher that said move beyond color to character.
PBS. The NewsHour featured a soundbite of Lowery:
RAY SUAREZ: The ceremony ended with the benediction given by an 87- year-old leader of the civil rights movement, the Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery.
Rev. JOSEPH LOWERY: And in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in the back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right. Let all those who do justice and love mercy say, "Amen."
CROWD: Amen.
SUAREZ: Minutes later, the now former President George Bush and his wife, Laura, left the Capitol building...
But Suarez treated Rick Warren with an ideological label and a "controversial" label in the same roundup: "The invocation was given by a well-known, and controversial, preacher, conservative pastor Rick Warren from California`s Saddleback Church."
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
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Who's the Assclown
January 22, 2009 - 18:51 ET by the strugglerAnd who,today,said we don't need white male construction workers on these New Projects?
How nice.
January 22, 2009 - 19:17 ET by krendlerWhat a nice set of stereotypes - bad whitey and those uptight Asians - on which to end the benediction at a presidential inauguration. He did everything but say "America is just plain mean".
And the people applauding, laughing, nodding and saying "Amen" to this are the same race-baiters who threw Bill Clinton under the bus as a "racist" for calling Obama a "kid" and his voting record a "fairy tale". Don't criticize the Anointed One for any reason whatsoever. But feel free to utter any stereotype you want about whites. We got your back.
Not surprising that the networks don't want to talk about what he said. They weren't particularly interested in the Jerimiah Wright "non-story" either. It's ok. This Lowery bigot is getting sh** on all over the blogosphere.
They didn't mention it
January 22, 2009 - 19:38 ET by balboaThey didn't mention it because there's no controversy.
No controversy...
January 22, 2009 - 19:45 ET by sherylsimsNot to anyone who would tend to agree with what was said. I am not going to get all twisted up about it though because maybe he was just trying to think of rhymes. Of course he could have said, "When white go fly a kite" or "When white don't give us fright" or some other idiotic thing. It is just more stupidity.
Lowery is an old race-baiter
January 22, 2009 - 20:46 ET by thebutlerdiditLowery is from my, and Dave's neck of the woods. He says stuff like this, and way more, on a regular basis. As we both have pointed out on other threads, he is a known race baiter, and preaches hate. Some of us, happen to be very offended by this statement, it wasn't an accident, nor an attempt to just rhyme. I was surprised that Obama, who says we are past this stuff, put an approval stamp on this. So, while Balboa sees no controvery, some of us do. The fact he is an old civil rights leader has no bearing on how he acts today. He acts like Rev. Wright, Sharpton, Jackson, et al, who want to pretend this is the 1960's. We've either evolved as Obama says, or we haven't. Which is it going to be?
Bringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke
tbdi
January 22, 2009 - 20:53 ET by sherylsimsYou are right. I am so used to hearing certain black people I know go off trying to sound flowery (or intelligent) using words you know they don't know the meaning of or using words improperly to try to get some cadence going, and I know it is a cultural thing, but usually I just shut off the 'listening' part of my brain and smile and nod because I realize that they aren't even listening to themselves.
As to Obama approving of it, THAT is the real problem. You can't expect Lowrey to be anything other than what he is, but you don't have to let him pray at your party.
They didn't mention it
January 22, 2009 - 19:53 ET by Scuba DudeThey didn't mention it because it would make the Dear Leader look bad. But you knew that didn't you Bal?
Nice to see Barky is starting to surround himself with racist's again. How much longer before Wright is welcomed back into the fold?
You're right Bal
January 22, 2009 - 19:58 ET by cocodrieThere is no controversy here. It's merely another chapter in the life of a man who has blamed Whitey for everything. We are responsible for the black on black crime, the deplorable condition of the cities run bt corrupt black politicians, and the choice made by millions to live on welfare. we force their youngsters to listen to fowl degenerate rap and wear ill fitting clothes.
Racial hatred has earned him a comfortable living, and he doesn't want it to end.
Jesus Loves You
bal, people disagree with
January 22, 2009 - 20:07 ET by motherbeltbal, people disagree with it and were offended by it.
That, by definition, means it was controversial.
a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views
-merriam-webster.com
bal
January 23, 2009 - 04:09 ET by well99That is because it is okay to make racist remarks if your a liberal.
Sad... so sad
January 22, 2009 - 19:54 ET by jdlybrandnewsisblues
Sadly I have now been reduced to a 'Typical white person'; bitterly clinging to my guns and my religion.
So this is what it feels like to be at the bottom of the food chain. But I hold my head high, knowing that I am right while those around me dwell in the sea of insanity.
Keep the faith!!!
Cosby and O'Conner
January 22, 2009 - 20:07 ET by vrwc13For the next four years President Huxtable will be presiding over Bunkers.
v
Lowery is an A-Frickin-American ...
January 22, 2009 - 20:12 ET by Crashwho makes Jesse look moderate (just kidding). And Black will embrace crack, even though "crack is whack!"
The MSM couldn't find a lead story unless it had a martini and a blowhard attached to it.
Is there not one person
January 22, 2009 - 20:11 ET by RR GOPIs there not one person connected to Obama that isn't a buffoon, a racist, and/or a crook?
Such an embarrassment for our country. They don't even have their act together for handling the press in the White House...but, yeah, they're going to fix the world.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
People like Joseph Lowrey
January 22, 2009 - 20:13 ET by BamaRebel2009People like Joseph Lowrey just needs to go ahead pass away. They must have missed the memo that the Civil Rights Bill has been passed. His ilk continues to think that the "White Man" is oppressing them and treating them as second-class citizens.
If Lowrey would have looked at the election's exit polls, he would have seen that a heck of a lot more white people than black people voted for Obama (present company excluded).
Hopefully, when Obama isn't re-elected in 4 years, the race pimps (like Lowrey, Jesse Jackson, etc.) will start howling that just when it seemed like America had moved forward, it has reverted back to its racist past by not sending Obama back for a second term, regardless of how much the country will have been damaged by Obama's socialist policies and lax national security measures.
I'm done w/ Lowery, the 60's throwback.
January 22, 2009 - 20:31 ET by R D HelmHere is what Neal Boortz had to say about this bitter old fossil on his site yesterday:
Well, as long as I'm blowing it out of my ... er ...um ... ears today - let's talk about that tired old race war lord Joseph Lowery. If there was anyone on the program yesterday that we could absolutely, positively depend on to play the part of the weird old race pimp, it would be Lowery; and what's more, he chose a prayer to toss his racial comments around.
A lot of conservative bloggers and pundits are up in arms over Lowery's benediction, "Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'..."
Yeah ..those evil white bastards. We just have to get a little pointed remark into these proceedings somehow. We'll just ask the Almighty to make those white folks act right now that Obama is the president.
I've been aware of Rev. Lowery for decades. Without a racial grievance this man simply ceases to exist. Anyone who didn't expect him to get just a bit of a slam against the evil white man yesterday just wasn't aware of his history.
-End
I can't put it any better than that.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -While there is still time.
Mercy
January 22, 2009 - 22:12 ET by nkviking75"That all those who do justice and love mercy say amen."
Hey, Rev, how about a little mercy for us whities?
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Liberals, White and Black Are Racists
January 22, 2009 - 22:54 ET by The Smokin FrogSuffering was wasted on these Black civil rights leaders. Christ promised us suffering. They should be teaching us how to suffer. But instead they teach us what harboring hatred looks like. Their offense isn't so much at white people as it is at God himself.
The left in this country seems to be into self flagellation. They want to be punished for their sins, so they willingly take these charges. But the truth is that these Black leaders are racists to the core. They are sinners just like everyone else. But for some reason the left has decided Blacks are good and above the rest us.
But that is a pile of hooey as Rev. Lowery and his racial slur proved.
Christ died for all of us, regardless of who or what we are.
January 22, 2009 - 23:40 ET by CKA in Red State USAIf these black men, such as Lowery and Wright, for example, as well as Jackson and Sharpton, among others, hide behind the cloth of clergy, that's something for which they get to answer to the Highest Power of Powers.
Meanwhile, while we may be offended by what they say, they need prayer. To have the scales removed from their eyes and ears, and to have the hardness removed from their hearts.
Because with their tongues they are creating chaos and division. And that is not of the Christ.
Or not at least from the Prince of Peace of which the Holy Bible speaks and which is the Word of God.
I'd imagine the Lord God weeps at such behavior, especially from those pretending to be ministers of His Word.
And after all, Christians are called to be ambassadors of Christ, of reconciliation.
Guess that's too complicated for some, regardless of color or gender, to understand.
Just like loving others as you'd like to be loved is difficult to understand.
Just as forgiving others as you are forgiven seems to be foreign to many.
Where's the love?...
January 23, 2009 - 10:21 ET by vrwc13Jesus called on His believers to basically two things:
Love God, love your neighbor.
They will be known by their love for one another.
Unity amoung believers was the second most priority He had for His followers.
So, Lowery, and your brothers Wright, Jackson and Sharpton, where's the love? Where is the unity? Hypocrites of the worse degree. Pharisees of our modern times. Jesus called them a brood of vipers!
v
You're right.
January 23, 2009 - 10:35 ET by CKA in Red State USAAnd when you said about loveing God, loving others, indeed: The Great Commandments.
And the sign of the Cross, too.
Why should they, how could they, mention it? After all. . .
January 22, 2009 - 23:28 ET by CKA in Red State USA. . . post-racial Obama's ascension to the throne means that there's only racism IF it comes from non-blacks.
Or that, should such racisim occur, especially during the coronation, it couldn't be acknowledged because it would sully the event.
Unfortunately, the advocacy/adversary media doesn't understand that if you clean dirt, it's still dirt. And if you don't mention it, like some other things that stick to your shoes, this type of dirt still does.
Mind you all, I have no
January 23, 2009 - 00:12 ET by Trix RabbitMind you all, I have no intention of offending Christians, but If I had lived in the time of Jesus and I had seen Him preach and pray the way Lowery, Wright, Jackson, Sharpton, or Pleghmer do, I would have called for His stoning.
These alleged "men" of G-d defame His holy name and have neither the class nor the substance to preach or reprimand anyone on race issues. They have absolutely no business in anything that deals with religion.
I think Jesus was referring to "people" like these when He said: "Ye strain at a gnat but swallow a camel."
And the lapdogs of the MSM do nothing but enable these sick bastards.
Liberal: a power worshipper without power. George Orwell
Good evening Trix
January 23, 2009 - 00:22 ET by cocodrieWell said. Iagree fully.
Jesus Loves You
Honestly folks, listen
January 23, 2009 - 05:19 ET by ConservativeRexHonestly folks, listen up. What Lowery quoted, what he actually said, has not been brought up to the best of my knowledge.
The quote this idiot used is, get this, toilet stall wall material. I saw this exact quote on some bathroom wall many, many years ago.
If you break down the words he used, think about it. Yellow/let it mellow, brown/flush it down. And so on..LOL. This fella is a complete moron.
When I first heard about it, I couldn't beleive what I was reading!What the hell were they thinking? This is getting weird.
We will be Post-Racial when blacks can be criticized
January 23, 2009 - 08:41 ET by pearlWe will be Post-Racial when blacks can be criticized
"Hussein’s scientists were on the verge of building an atom bomb, as little as a year away" New York Times Nov 2006
What this
January 23, 2009 - 08:57 ET by RowaneWhat this old racist mouthed were words to an old blues song, I can't remember by who or when but remember hearing it.
I also read somewhere that the most racist group in America are black males over 30.
GUTHRIE: Not since the
January 23, 2009 - 09:11 ET by SickofLibsGUTHRIE: Not since the Kennedys has America had such young children in the White House.
Bull. Guthrie is new, and has obviously not yet met the WH press corps.
Bal
January 23, 2009 - 13:43 ET by seano53balboa...somewhere there's a vilage missing an idiot...but not to worry!God Loves You,but everyone else thinks you're a a-number one A-Hole!!